Travel Safe with a Bleeding Disorder

Traveling with a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, can be stressful and challenging knowing that a bleed can happen at any time. Plan ahead to help manage bleeding episodes and medical emergencies that occur while away from home.

Before You Leave for a Trip

Talk to your doctor about your travel plans to make sure you are in healthy condition to travel.
Ask your doctor if there are any recommended vaccinations based on your travel plans. Vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and B vaccines, are highly recommended for people with bleeding disorders.

What to Pack

Travel Letter

Download a sample travel letter

Ask your doctor for a travel letter that describes your bleeding disorder and the medicine you take. Download a sample.
Your travel letter will allow transportation security officials to make sure your medicine and medical supplies are allowed while traveling.
If you are traveling internationally, consider having an additional copy of the travel letter written in the primary language spoken in the country you are visiting.

Medicine and medical supplies

Medicine and medical supplies are exempt from airline baggage restrictions.
Clearly label all medicine and medical supplies and pack them separately in a carry-on bag. If items are safely stored in your carry-on, you will be able to use your items at any time, and you will have your items with you in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
If there are any items that should not be exposed to X-rays, request your items to be physically inspected by the transportation security official.
Unexpected travel delays can happen. Pack extra amounts of medicine and supplies in the event that your return home is delayed.

Pack these medical supplies in your carry-on or in a bag you have with you at all times:
(Click “Print this page” below to print a copy of the checklist)

Vials of factor medicine,
Diluent (A liquid used to form or thin a solution. Normal saline or sterile water are diluents that can be mixed with the factor powder.),
Reconstitution device (A device used to “reconstitute” or mix factor with a liquid (usually water), called a diluent, before it can be infused or given to a person with hemophilia. Factor is stored in powdered form because it rapidly loses its power once mixed into a solution.),
Syringes (Needles),
Alcohol and cotton pads,
Disinfectant (A product that destroys bacteria or other harmful agents), and
Containers to dispose of your used syringes (Sharps)

Print this page

A list of hospitals

Make a list of hospitals or hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) and their contact information that are along your travel route.
Use the HTC directory for a list of HTCs in the United States. For a list of HTCs worldwide, use the World Federation of Hemophilia’s Global Treatment Centre Directory.

Medical and contact information

Keep a copy of your important medical and contact information with you.
Consider wearing a medical ID emblem if traveling alone to help inform medical personnel if you become unconscious or unable to communicate during an emergency.

For more information on traveling safely with a bleeding disorder, visit the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Steps for Healthy Living webpage.

Learn more about bleeding disorders on CDC’s webpage.